“He’s obviously remorseful,” Mauve said. “So that makes me feel a little better.”
“Yeah, and there’s something else. My dad’s part in it all.” She paused for just a second. “He went to Roan and told him to leave town. He told him to ghost me for prom.”
Mauve’s mouth dropped open and her eyes widened. “Why would he do that?”
“He didn’t want Roan to move to New York with me. He thought Roan distracted me from my goals. So he told him that he’d call in Walter’s bank loan if Roan didn’t cooperate. Between that and his own feelings of inadequacy, Roan was convinced it was better for me if he left.”
“Your dad was super controlling, obviously, but this is …next level. I don’t even know what to say. Have you talked to your mom yet?”
“No. I don’t know if I should or not. She always put him on such a pedestal. I’m sure she’ll defend his actions. And, frankly, I don’t really care to hear her opinion.”
“You don’t have to. She hasn’t really earned that right anyway.” Mauve tossed her long blonde hair behind hershoulders. “I want to spend some time with Roan. See this infamous stuntman in action.”
“I could text him. See if he wants to meet us for skating and dinner?”
“We’re not skating,” Mauve said.
“We’ll see about that.”
Reese
My best friend and I are downtown. Want to join us for dinner?
Roan
Would love to. Can I bring Jason? We’re supposed to hang out tonight.
Reese
Sure. I’d like to see him. It’s been a long time.
Roan
He wants to see you too.
Reese
Meet us at the pizza place at 5?
Roan
We’ll be there.
She set aside her phone. “He and his brother will meet us at five.”
“Okay, don’t judge me, but that’s kind of exciting. You know I love his show. I hope I don’t act like an idiot.”
“I’ll give you the look if you’re embarrassing yourself,” Reese said, laughing.
“Good plan. Good plan.”
12
ROAN
The moment Roan and Jason walked into the restaurant, Roan’s attention immediately zeroed in on the booth near the back where Reese and Mauve were already seated. Reese looked up, caught his eye, and gave him a soft, private smile that made him feel like the luckiest guy in the world.
The place was packed—families and teenagers filling every booth, the smell of baking dough and savory sauce hanging thick in the air. Holiday chaos at its finest.
